Dolphin day treat for Magnussen

Fresh from his success at the WA State swimming championships, world champion James Magnussen took time out from his preparation for the BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series to swim with dolphins yesterday.

Event organisers said many athletes had travelled from other States for the series, which starts on Friday, so they wanted to treat them to a special WA experience on Australia Day - swimming with wild dolphins.

The dolphins proved eager to meet their human equivalents, leaping to greet them soon after the boat set off from Rockingham. Magnussen, who won the 100m open freestyle at the State championships, said it was "absolutely phenomenal".

In the Aquatic Super Series, now in its second year, Australia takes on China, South Africa, Brazil and Japan at Challenge Stadium.

James Magnussen takes off on an underwater scooter. Picture: Lincoln Baker/The West Australian